Tragedy struck the Wiffen family when 18-month-old Remy Stirling Wiffen drowned on Monday about 6pm.
He was the son of former Central Pulse netballer Daya Wiffen.
Emergency services were called to the property but he could not be revived, a police spokeswoman said.
A family friend said Remy was "so, so special" and adored by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.
"Remy was the life of the party. Always getting up to mischief and messing with his big brother's lego," she said.
"The most beautiful boy who was so cheeky and adventurous. Daya would call him her little Critter ... he was daddy's special boy."
Daya and her husband Sam Wiffen have two other children - Arlo and Marcel.
A Central Pulse spokeswoman said it was a tragedy for the Wiffen family.
Ms Wiffen was well-known to many of the players despite not appearing on the court for the team for a couple of years, commentating on the sidelines and socialising with the team members.
"Our thoughts are with Daya and her family in what must be a very, very difficult time," she said.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.
A funeral service will be held at Nga Purapura on Tasman Rd in Otaki tomorrow.
